Chapter: 03. From Here To There
3 From Here to There
Learning Journey
In this self-study document, you will discover:
How transportation has evolved over time. The different ways people and goods move from one place to another. Key Terms to Understand
Wheel: A circular object that revolves on an axle and is fixed below a vehicle or other object to enable it to move easily over the ground. Means of Transport: Vehicles or methods used to move people or goods from one location to another. Land Transport: The movement of people and goods on land, typically on roads or railway tracks. Air Transport: The movement of people and goods through the air, using aircraft. Water Transport: The movement of people and goods across water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
How We Move: A Journey Through Time
In earlier times, people’s ability to travel was very different from today.
People often had to walk long distances to reach other places. They carried their belongings on their backs or used animals like camels for carrying goods and sometimes for riding. Another early method of travel involved navigating water bodies using simple boats. In snowy regions, people used sleighs pulled by animals like reindeer. The Invention of the Wheel
A major breakthrough in transportation was the invention of the wheel.
Before the wheel, moving heavy objects or traveling long distances was a very slow and difficult process. The wheel allowed humans to build carts. These carts were often pulled by animals like bullocks, which made traveling much easier and faster over long distances. Today, the wheel is a fundamental component of most vehicles used for transport. Figure Out: Aeroplanes do have wheels! They use them to move on the ground at the airport, both for taxiing (moving slowly) and during take-off and landing. What are Means of Transport?
Means of transport refer to the various types of vehicles we use to go from one place to another.
We use these vehicles not only for personal travel but also for carrying goods. There are three main ways, or modes, of transport: FactPedia
The raft is thought to be one of the very first vehicles used by humans for water transport. Historical Progression of Transport
The development of transport methods occurred over a long period, with simpler forms appearing first and more complex, faster ones developing later.
Early Forms: Rafts were among the first water vehicles. Animal-Powered Land Transport: Ox-drawn carts represented an advancement on land. Mechanized Transport: Steam trains marked a significant leap with engine power. Individualized Motorized Transport: Cars became widespread later. Space Travel: Rockets and space shuttles represent the pinnacle of modern transport, allowing travel beyond Earth. Land Transport
Land transport includes all vehicles that move on the ground. These vehicles can travel on roads or on rail tracks.
Other ways to travel on land include walking, cycling, or using specialized urban transport. Trains run on special railway tracks. Trains are very efficient for carrying a large number of people and goods over long distances at one time. Some cities have metros (subway/underground trains) and trams (streetcars) that provide convenient transport within the city. Engines: Many modern land vehicles like cars, buses, scooters, and trucks have engines that run on fuel (like petrol or diesel). Animals: Some traditional vehicles, like bullock carts, are pulled by animals. Human Effort: Vehicles such as cycle rickshaws and bicycles are moved by people pedaling them. Understanding Key Terms
Mode: A method or way of transport or traveling. Rail: Each of the two metal bars that form the track that trains run on. Engine: The part of a vehicle that produces the power which makes it move. Figure Out
Monorail: A monorail is a type of railway in which the track consists of a single rail, often elevated above the ground. Trains designed for monorails run on or are suspended from this single beam.
Air Transport
When you need to travel very far, especially from one country to another, air transport is the fastest way to go.
Aeroplanes: The fastest means of transport for long distances. Helicopters: Used to reach places where there are no airports, as they can fly at lower heights and land on almost any flat surface. Humans have also invented space shuttles, which allow people to travel into space to gather important information about the universe. FactPedia
Aeroplanes are built to be lightning proof. Even though they are hit by lightning regularly, it does not cause any harm to the plane or its passengers.
Water Transport
Water transport includes all forms of vehicles that float and move on water. These are especially useful in areas surrounded by or crisscrossed by water.
Variety of Water Vehicles: Some water vehicles, like certain sailboats, move with the help of the wind. Others require human effort, such as rowing a rowing boat or paddling a canoe. Many modern water vehicles, including large ships, have engines that help them move. Purpose of Water Transport: Ships: Can travel long distances and are used to carry both people and cargo (goods). Cargo is loaded onto and unloaded from ships at a port. Boats: Often used for moving on smaller water bodies like rivers and lakes. Ferries or Barges: Are specifically designed to transport passengers or vehicles from one bank of a river or a short distance across water. Green Earth
Fuel Consumption: It’s important to consider that most modern vehicles run on fuel, which is a limited resource. If all the fuel on Earth were used up, most cars, buses, trucks, aeroplanes, and many ships would stop running, profoundly changing how we live and travel. This highlights the importance of exploring alternative energy sources and using transport efficiently. Understanding Key Terms
Cargo: Goods or produce carried on a ship, aircraft, or motor vehicle. Port: A town or city with a harbor where ships load and unload goods or passengers.
Important Considerations and Practical Applications
Understanding transport is not just about knowing the vehicles; it’s also about understanding their impact and how to use them responsibly.
Impact of the Wheel
The invention of the wheel revolutionized travel, making it easier and faster to move from one place to another. Without the wheel, many modern conveniences and industries would not exist. For example, there would be no cars, trains, most machinery, or efficient construction methods, making daily life and global trade vastly different and more challenging. Choosing Transport Wisely
When traveling very far, air transport (like aeroplanes) is the most suitable choice due to its speed. Trains are highly useful land transport because they can carry many people and goods efficiently over long distances. When moving goods like furniture over long distances, especially across oceans, water transport (like ships from a port) is often the most practical and cost-effective method. For short distances, like going to a neighborhood market, it is often better to walk or cycle. This helps conserve fuel and promotes a healthier environment. In specific terrains, like narrow and dusty village roads, traditional transport like a bullock cart might be the most appropriate choice. Responsible Travel and Values
Using motorized transport for very short distances can be a waste of fuel. It’s good practice to consider walking or cycling instead. When using public transport, it is important to be considerate and respectful, such as offering seats to elderly people. Examples of Transport Capabilities
Motorized Transport: Vehicles like cars, buses, and trains need an engine to run. Trains: Run specifically on railway tracks and can carry many people and goods. Ferry: A type of water transport that moves passengers from one bank of a river to another. Helicopters: Can land in places without airports due to their ability to take off and land vertically. Land Vehicles carrying many people: Buses or trains. Three-wheeled engine vehicle: An auto-rickshaw. Water transport for people and cargo: A ship or ocean liner. Vehicle for space travel: A space shuttle. Yachts: Many yachts are designed to move with the help of wind in their sails, while some also have engines. Vehicles needing human effort: Rowing boats, paddle boats, bicycles, and cycle rickshaws. Visual Comparison
Looking at a large cruise ship and a small rowing boat shows: Similarities: Both are means of water transport and both are used for moving people on water. Differences: The cruise ship is very large, uses an engine, and carries many people over long distances, often for leisure. The rowing boat is small, uses human effort (rowing), and is typically used by one or a few people for short distances or recreation. Chapter Summary
Self Study
A rowing boat
A ship
A canoe
Looking at a large cruise ship and a small rowing boat shows:
